Heat take control of D-League affiliate in Sioux Falls

SAN ANTONIO — The Heat now have an NBA Development League affiliate to call their own, at least when it comes to basketball operations. It will, however, be a long-distance call.

The Heat announced Monday they have entered into a single-affiliation partnership with the D-League's Sioux Falls (S.D.) Skyforce, starting with next season.

Having previously shared the Skyforce affiliation with several teams, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers, the Heat will have full control over the Skyforce's basketball operations.

The Heat become the 13th NBA team to have a one-on-one partnership with an NBA D-League team, and the sixth to enter into a "hybrid" affiliation, meaning the Heat will pay for and control the Skyforce's basketball operations, while existing local ownership in Sioux Falls maintains primary responsibility for the team's off-the-court business operations and community initiatives.

"We have been working with the Skyforce for four years and feel that it is one of the most professional organizations in the NBA Development League," Heat President Pat Riley said in a statement.

"This partnership between the Heat and Skyforce further demonstrates the growing importance of an exclusive NBA D-League affiliate for NBA team player, coach, and staff development," said D-League President Dan Reed.

The Sioux Falls Skyforce joined the NBA D-League in 2006 after serving stints with both the International Basketball League (2000-01) and the Continental Basketball Association (1989-00 and 2001-2006). The Skyforce captured two CBA Championships (1996 and 2005) and three CBA division titles as well as making three postseason berths in the NBA D-League.

The Heat had assigned centers Dexter Pittman and Jarvis Varnado for D-League stints with the Skyforce this past season.